original

Lamb of Deception

นักเขียน: SilentMan

บท 1: Dolors Club

It was a brilliant starless night, with no source of illumination from any celestial body. Moving on the walkway, Cole was debating with himself while scrutinizing a white Camellia made of paper.

Why did Light fall? It was a question he always asked himself but couldn't get an answer to.

Breaking out of his stance, he narrowed his eyes as he witnessed some shadows lurking in the darkness trying to crawl towards him but failing miserably. They all burnt to cinders halfway before they could touch the brilliance of the oil lamps, placed periodically throughout the streets. The oil lamps had mysterious runes etched over them and brought forth a comforting warmth.

Why did I have to witness these rats? Seems like The Gambler won't favor me in the coming days! Cole let out a heavy sigh.

Owing to its reputation as the largest merchants' hub, Aedenstile was a sight to behold and was also known as the economic capital of the Kingdom of Regoria. Built upon the ruins of the glorious Light Era, Aedenstile shared its shores with the gigantic Onobell ocean, also named The Tempest Domain by the sailors. A huge ocean-blue steeple crowned the House of Tempest and its brilliance shined through the entire city, in an attempt to soothe the waves of terror brought forth by the pollution. Pollution, that lurked in the darkness and beyond…

Shaking his head, the young man in his coffee-colored brown tuxedo entered the Dolors Club.

The sound of music blasted Cole as he glanced over his surroundings and noticed several figures moving with the rhythm, drunk in the intoxication of alcohol and drugs.

Arcane symbols covered the wall glowing faintly… So much money! Cole chewed his lips in envy. Controlling his urges, Cole briskly walked toward the counter with a smile on his face.

The barman was calmly cleaning a wine glass as Cole rhythmically tapped on the counter while taking a seat.

"How may I help you, Sir?" Cole's movements attracted barman.

Cole's heart ached as he tossed 8 silver coins with 10 denominations, worth 80 Klal, which could feed a peasant family of two for a month.

Gradoz was the currency of the Kingdom of Regoria. 3 types of coins, made up of copper, silver, and gold were circulated among the populace.

Copper coins were named Tyov, silver as Klal, and gold–Gradoz. Tyov, Klal, and Gradoz had four denominations –1, 5, 10, and 100 while each denomination had a different radius and thickness to effortlessly distinguish from the others.

There was also one particular denomination of Gradoz–1000 Gradoz. It was used by the higher class when doing business and it was made up of an alloy of gold and platinum.

1 Klal equaled 247 Tyov, while 1 Gradoz was worth 12 Klal or 3027 Tyov. An average citizen earned about 360 Klal. Tyov was rarely used and the most common was Klal.

"I need information on the Hounds. What are they doing recently?"

The bartender raised his brows.

"House of Tempest is as calm as the Onobell. The Gambler's Den has gone bankrupt– due to their awful luck."

Cole frowned; however the barman didn't pay attention to his expression as he continued in a flat mood,

"The Sapient Church of the Northern Highlands are busy bickering among themselves and Death of Western Wilderness is well… dead."

Unsatisfied, Cole inquired, "What about the remnants of Light? Did you not find something bizarre with them recently?"

"Oh, that reminds me of a notification from House of Tempest. They said–Light has been searching for Rogues like you. My pigeons heard they are aiming to recruit for their annual celebration in the economic capital this time around."

Annual celebration? But it doesn't make sense! They have been too rowdy this time. Unlike previous events, when they hid their poisonous fangs and suddenly erupted like a volcano; they have been actively biting like hyenas in Aedenstile. Cole rubbed his temples in exasperation while crumbling the white paper camellia in his pocket.

"Iced tea." He collected his thoughts and ordered.

The barman was familiar with Cole–as such, he was not surprised by his strange choice of drink in a bar where most people ordered alcohol. He quickly got to work.

"By the way, my pigeons have a mission," The barman placed a cup of iced tea in front of Cole.

Seeing Cole's slightly interested look, the barman chuckled, "A mission worth 850 Gradoz."

Cole's ears perked up as he almost choked on the drink. It was a considerable amount, that someone in the middle class might never even dream about! When converted to frequently used Klal, it would be almost 10200 Klal! A drink, some minor information, and missions in this luxurious bar cost him nearly 80-100 Klal every time he entered this place.

Money!! Cole's eyes were blinded by greed for a moment, but clarity soon reigned in his mind. How can a mission of such value be so simple? It must have some dangerous variation!

The barman smirked upon seeing the fish has taken the bait.

"A young noble lady is looking for an escort or a bodyguard. Smuggle her out of a Viscount's mansion and help her with some miscellaneous stuff – Like procuring elixirs, mystic cards, and contacts with people like us and Rogues."

"Nope!" Cole steadfastly refused without even thinking twice.

The bartender froze but remembering Cole's past, he was not shocked. They could not be called friends because business was business. But they were acquaintances and on good terms as such Cole has shared some of his past while hiding many vital details to uncover his true identity or motives. It was normal conduct among Rogues.

"Think about it before refusing so adamantly. All you have to do is help her breakthrough the mansion's defenses and babysit her for some time."

Cole shook his head.

"Mr. Dolor, you know very well those curly-haired baboons wouldn't take it lying down. And the Hounds of Tempest would smell me once I make a mess in their territory."

"It's too difficult… not to mention–taking care of a snobbish runaway princess would bring me the greatest headache of my life."

The barman calmly explained, "The girl is the daughter of a merchant who recently snatched the title of Viscount. They are a new rising noble family.

"I also heard some inside information that there will be an event in the North Grovebourne where most, if not all nobles in Aedenstile will be participating–As such, with your capabilities, you should be able to easily find a breakthrough point! It won't be that difficult. You can trust me on this one."

This old man would not coax me this much… unless… Cole narrowed his eyes.

"What are you gaining from this deal?"

Cough! Cough!

The barman turned his face away and whistled while going back to cleaning the glasses.

When Dolor noticed Cole's intent gaze over him, he sighed in defeat.

"Die of Blood, a cursed Gamblers Order-3 Artifact, extracted from Western Deserts–"

"–Enough! I have no interest in what deal you made with her!" Cole interrupted the barman in a slightly annoyed tone, "Your somewhat aberrant behavior requires and explanation… Did you use your powers?"

Cough!

That is all Cole needed to confirm his suspicions but he still shook his head in denial.

"Wait! I'd increase your reward to 1000 Gradoz. I'll be paying the rest from my own pockets!"

"Did you already take the commission? Even then, why are you going this far for a stranger noble lady? You can always give this mission to Rogues other than me…" Cole's voice trailed off as he sighed thinking about the details of the mission again.

"I see…" He muttered to himself.

It was a long-term mission and according to the terms of most similar deals, once the noble lady was smuggled out of the mansion, half of the payment must be done in advance.

However, even the dumbest Rogue would not let her live after she pays half the amount. Not only would she be a burden in this cruel world, but also mark a target on their heads–as Hounds would come into action because they have ties with aristocrats and disliked Rogues.

Business was business but Dolor was not a dishonest or wicked person. He would not cheat an innocent. On the other hand, even though, Cole's principles were skewered, he always completed his operations with no falsities unlike other Rogues, who all had some problems with their brains and would not leave a chance to gain benefits–Half of them bordering the line of insanity and the other half would boldly claim themselves as criminals.

"How long does she want to be taken care of?" Suppressing his dislike for nobles, Cole asked.

He hung his head and peered down in the cup. His image had angular features and sharp brows, yet looked so ordinary that the bartender might've overlooked him if Cole didn't announce his presence by tapping on the counter. The only remarkable point about Cole was his tall, lean, and fit physique.

Cole's eyes changed, and the number 13 appeared deep in his pupils.

'Time to prepare for a grand show!' An enigmatic smirk stretched across his lips as he thought to himself.

The barman beamed.

"For at least a month!"

Cole blinked as his eyes returned to normal.

I am not doing this money. Not at all!... He told himself.

"All right, I–" Cole was disrupted.

"Hey…" A sweet voice floated in his ears.

He craned his head and saw a beautiful middle-aged lady in a black minidress and expensive earrings sitting beside him.

Her dainty hands overlapped Cole's as she rubbed it suggestively.

Cole had a sharp eye and could instantly tell this lady was wealthy from her jewelry and had links to at least a baron rank noble.

In the commercial center, Aedenstile, prosperous merchants could effortlessly buy a noble title and consequently, Cole had no hesitation about this woman's identity.

She was definitely a noble lady.

Derailing his out-of-control train of thoughts, Cole composed himself and asked with a smile.

"How may I help– Hmm?" He caught a diamond ring on her ring finger.

Noticing his gaze, the woman chuckled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand as she pointed to the corner of the bar with her eyes. A well-dressed chubby man was drinking silently–staring raptly in their direction.

"My husband has given us his blessings…"

Cole: "…"

F***ing Nobles!